Wet hubs advice

[landrovered]

In the pursuit of replacing my busted 10 spline axle and upgrading it to 24 spline. I need to revisit the wet hub vs. seal and grease for the CVs and wheel bearings.

My truck is currently set up for wet hubs from previous owner. The CVs and bearings look good. Since I have the whole front axle apart should I keep the wet set up or put seals in and go back to the traditional grease route?

The swivle seals are not leaking and everything has been running fine but what are the benefits/drawbacks of the sealess approach. All my other trucks have seals so I am in a quandry.

If I keep the wet set up, when putting it back together do I need to fill the swivle housings seperately or just keep filling the diff until it is full?

Thanks.

 

[antichrist]

I've never looked at a long term comparison of CV type u-joints (like defenders have) running in oil vs grease. I know you shouldn't use grease in the axle u-joint on a Series. So for the long term effects I have no opinion.
Come to think of it, I don't have an opinion on it otherwise. It's a matter of personal preference. Oil will be more likely to leak out. Grease will not leak as much. If you have good seals it probably doesn't matter. If you have the drain plugs on your swivel housing oil would be easier to change out.
In the hubs, the grease I use maintains it's lubricity when mixed with water, oil won't do that, but if you have good seals....

On filling the swivel housing, yes, I'd fill it with oil and keep it checked and topped up from the swivel housing filler plug.

 

[landrovered]

The one benefit is not having to pack the bearings with grease. It makes the job a lot cleaner.

I had the 110 in water up to the hood and did not get any in the axles!

 

[peter sherman]

I have wet hubs in my 110 & D1.. As long as you use the 3551 double lipped seal you will be fine. Make sure you drive the seal into the hub far enough.
I fill the diff & add half qt to the swivels. so a little overfull but I have a high pinion so...
The wet setup is nice if you do get water -- its a simple as drain & fill done.

 

[Revor]

I'm all about wet balls.. Like Pete says 3511's work like a charm. If the factory plastic cap leaks use some silicone in the groove on the flange and drive on series flange's Looks cool and retro too..

 

[peter sherman]

oops sorry for the typo on the seal P/N

 

[draaronr]

wet hubs, just dry them. Ha couldn't resist the 8 year old humor.

 

[peter sherman]

wet hubs, just dry them. Ha couldn't resist the 8 year old humor.

Tried Huggies they didn't work as well as Maxi pads!:ack:

 

[landrovered]

Report:

Job is done, 110 is running great. Had some fun filling the swivles, my driveway is spotted worse than usual now. I really like the hint of red gasket maker around the drive flange. Makes it look like it has been attended to.